Best Chinese Restaurants in Havering by Google Reviewers 2026

Key Points

• Chinese New Year 2026 begins on Tuesday, February 17, ushering in the Year of the Horse, which continues until February 5, 2027.
• Top-rated Chinese restaurants in Havering have been compiled based on Google reviewer ratings ahead of the celebrations.
• Bento in High Street, Hornchurch, opened on November 19, 2024, replacing the former Chopsticks restaurant, and averages a 4.8 out of five-star Google rating.
• Bento is run by Jonathan Tse.
• A satisfied customer at Bento wrote: “Very impressed. Highly recommend! Food is delicious. I need to find better words that can give them the credit it deserves. It’s now my go to Chinese restaurant!”
• Kung Pao Panda in South Street, Romford, also averages a 4.8 Google rating.
• One punter at Kung Pao Panda said: “Really amazing tasty Chinese food. Had it a few times now and it just exceeds expectations every time. We will not go anywhere else after trying a lot of local Chineses. The lamb ribs are to die for.”
• Another reviewer labelled Kung Pao Panda as “the best Chinese place in Romford”.

Havering (East London Times) February 16, 2026 – As Chinese New Year approaches on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, welcoming the Year of the Horse until February 5, 2027, Google reviewers have spotlighted the top Chinese restaurants in Havering, with Bento in Hornchurch and Kung Pao Panda in Romford leading at 4.8 stars. These establishments stand out for their exceptional cuisine and customer loyalty amid festive preparations. Local diners praise authentic flavours and standout dishes, positioning them as must-visits for celebrations.

Which Chinese Restaurants Top Google Ratings in Havering?

Bento in High Street, Hornchurch, emerged as a frontrunner since its opening on November 19, 2024. Run by Jonathan Tse, it replaced the former Chopsticks restaurant and quickly amassed a 4.8 out of five-star average on Google. One satisfied customer enthused:

“Very impressed. Highly recommend! Food is delicious. I need to find better words that can give them the credit it deserves. It’s now my go to Chinese restaurant!”​

This rapid rise underscores Bento’s appeal in a competitive local scene. Reviewers highlight consistent quality, making it a reliable choice for families and festive gatherings. Jonathan Tse’s management has evidently struck a chord with patrons seeking fresh, high-calibre options.

Kung Pao Panda in South Street, Romford, matches Bento’s 4.8 rating, drawing repeat visitors with its bold flavours. One punter remarked:

“Really amazing tasty Chinese food. Had it a few times now and it just exceeds expectations every time. We will not go anywhere else after trying a lot of local Chineses. The lamb ribs are to die for.”

Another simply declared it “the best Chinese place in Romford”.​

These ratings reflect genuine enthusiasm from a broad customer base, including those who sampled multiple local spots.

When Does Chinese New Year 2026 Start and What Does It Mean for Havering Diners?

Chinese New Year 2026 kicks off next Tuesday, February 17, marking the Year of the Horse’s arrival, which spans until February 5, 2027. This lunar festival emphasises renewal, prosperity, and communal feasting, traditionally featuring symbolic foods like dumplings and longevity noodles. In Havering, it prompts a surge in demand for authentic Chinese eateries.​

Residents prepare for lion dances, red envelopes, and family banquets, amplifying the spotlight on high-rated venues. The timing, just days away, heightens anticipation for places like Bento and Kung Pao Panda.

Why Have Bento and Kung Pao Panda Earned Such High Praise?

Bento’s success stems from its swift establishment post-opening, with Jonathan Tse at the helm ensuring meticulous standards. The replacement of Chopsticks signalled a new era, and Google data confirms its 4.8 rating holds firm. That glowing review—”Very impressed. Highly recommend! Food is delicious. I need to find better words that can give them the credit it deserves. It’s now my go to Chinese restaurant!”—captures the sentiment driving its popularity.​

Kung Pao Panda’s acclaim similarly builds on standout dishes, particularly the lamb ribs hailed as “to die for.” The full punter quote: “Really amazing tasty Chinese food. Had it a few times now and it just exceeds expectations every time. We will not go anywhere else after trying a lot of local Chineses,” reveals discerning locals’ shift in allegiance. The “best Chinese place in Romford” label cements its status.​

Both spots excel by surpassing expectations in taste, service, and value, vital for retaining custom in Havering’s diverse dining landscape.

Where Exactly Are These Top-Rated Spots Located?

Bento resides on High Street in Hornchurch, a bustling area ideal for accessible dining. Its November 19, 2024, launch integrated seamlessly into the community, supplanting Chopsticks. Jonathan Tse’s operation thrives here, evidenced by the 4.8 Google score.​

Kung Pao Panda occupies South Street in Romford, another vibrant locale frequented by locals. This positioning aids its 4.8 rating and endorsements like “the best Chinese place in Romford.” Proximity to residential hubs facilitates trial and loyalty.​

Havering’s geography—spanning Hornchurch and Romford—ensures these venues serve varied neighbourhoods effectively.

What Makes These Restaurants Ideal for Chinese New Year Celebrations?

With the Year of the Horse dawning on February 17, 2026, Bento and Kung Pao Panda offer festive-ready menus. Reviewers’ passion for dishes at both suggests ample options for traditional spreads. Bento’s “delicious” fare, per the customer who named it their “go to,” suits group feasts.​

Kung Pao Panda’s lamb ribs and “amazing tasty Chinese food” position it for sharing platters central to New Year customs. The reviewer’s commitment—”We will not go anywhere else”—hints at capacity for peak demand.​

Their high ratings assure reliability when bookings peak.

How Do Customer Reviews Compare Across These Venues?

Direct comparisons reveal shared excellence. Bento’s review emphasises overall impressiveness and search for “better words,” while Kung Pao Panda garners specifics on lamb ribs and consistent exceeds of expectations. Both hit 4.8 stars, but Romford’s spot edges in bold dish acclaim.​

Neutral analysis shows no clear winner; preferences may hinge on location or menu focus.

Who Is Behind Bento’s Quick Success?

Jonathan Tse runs Bento, steering it from Chopsticks’ site since November 19, 2024. His vision delivered a 4.8 rating promptly. No direct quotes from Tse appear in coverage, but results speak volumes.​

Tse’s tenure marks a positive pivot for High Street diners.

What Do Reviewers Say About Specific Dishes?

Kung Pao Panda shines via lamb ribs, deemed “to die for” in the detailed punter account. Bento’s broad “delicious” accolade implies menu-wide appeal, though no single dish singled out.​

These insights guide selections for New Year meals.

How Has the Local Scene Evolved with These Openings?

Bento’s supplanting of Chopsticks exemplifies turnover, yet elevates standards borough-wide. Kung Pao Panda’s Romford dominance, post-local trials, signals refinement. Google metrics confirm their lead.​

Havering benefits from elevated choices ahead of festivities.

Why Trust Google Reviews for Dining Choices?

Aggregated 4.8 ratings from verified visits provide credible snapshots. Quotes like Bento’s effusive praise and Kung Pao Panda’s loyalty pledges reflect authenticity. Volume and recency bolster reliability for 2026 selections.​

What Should Diners Expect During Peak Festival Times?

Anticipate brisk trade from February 17, with both venues primed by reputation. Book ahead, as reviewers’ devotion—”It’s now my go to” at Bento, “We will not go anywhere else” at Kung Pao Panda—foretells crowds.​

Expect festive specials honouring the Year of the Horse.

Are There Plans for Expansion or Menu Updates?

No expansions or updates detailed in available reports. Focus remains on core operations yielding 4.8 ratings.

How Do These Ratings Stack Up Locally?

As the highest-rated per the roundup, Bento and Kung Pao Panda outpace peers. Their joint 4.8 tops Havering’s Chinese offerings on Google.​

What Role Does Location Play in Popularity?

Hornchurch’s High Street and Romford’s South Street offer footfall advantages. Accessibility fuels reviews and repeat business.